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THE ENGINE ROOM TRUTH / Chapter 4 / 10

Chapter 4 - An Unlikely Invitation"Harrison Brennan will be on this boat on Thursday," Victoria said, her eyes gleaming with sharp calculation. "He’s presenting his 'new' clean-energy drive to my investors."

Marcus’s jaw set tightly. "I don't care about Brennan anymore. I got what I needed today for Lily."

"He stole your life's work, Marcus," Victoria insisted, taking a step closer. "He built a fortune on your genius while you're struggling on public docks. Come to the summit as my guest."

"I don't belong in high-society ballrooms," Marcus replied flatly. "And I don't play games with powerful people."

"It's not a game. It's accountability," Victoria said softly, her cold persona softening just enough for Marcus to see genuine sincerity. "I'll provide the attire, security for Lily, and the platform. All you have to do is show up and speak the truth."

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Marcus looked at the check in his hand, then at Lily running happily along the shoreline. He breathed out slowly. "Under one condition: my daughter stays safe, no matter what happens."

"You have my word," Victoria promised.

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Chapter 5 - The Shadow at the SummitBy Thursday evening, Aurora was lit up like a floating palace, gliding smoothly across the bay under a clear moonlit sky. Three hundred high-net-worth guests in tuxedos and evening gowns filled the upper decks, sipping champagne while live violins played softly.

Chapter 6 - The Sabotage AttemptMarcus and Victoria sped down to the engine room. Steam was rising from the secondary cooling manifold, and the digital displays were flashing red warnings across the monitors.

Chapter 7 - Confronting the GeniusOn the main deck, Harrison Brennan stood at the microphone near the glass railing, holding a glass of scotch as he addressed the crowded room of investors. Tall, silver-haired, and arrogant, he smiled for the cameras.

Chapter 8 - The Paperwork TrapBrennan laughed dismissively, playing to the wealthy audience. "This is absurd! Marcus Gray was a low-level assistant who was fired for incompetence years ago. He has no proof, no patents, and no standing!"

Chapter 9 - Justice on the High SeasBrennan’s face drained of color as he looked around at the hostile expressions of his biggest financial backers.

Chapter 10 - A New HorizonSix months later.

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